As we all settle into the winter months and start to embrace (or at least deal with) the colder weather, many of us will also have to deal with dry winter skin. Xerosis or dry skin may occur throughout the year, but it is generally more prevalent in the winter. The dry, cool temperatures and harsh weather conditions deplete the skin’s protective layer and affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Dry skin may present as red, rough, and itchy patches on the hands, arms, knees, lower legs, and ankles. In more severe cases the skin may crack, which can be painful and affect the barrier that the skin provides for the body. Dry skin that is a long-standing problem and is not affected by the environment may be the result of medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, vitamin deficiency, or dermatologic diseases such as psoriasis. More often dry skin develops as the result of aging and external conditions, including weather exposure and how we treat our skin. Fortunately, since dry skin in often due to external causes, it often responds to external treatments.

As our skin ages, it becomes even more susceptible to drying. Some studies suggest that as many as 40-50 percent of older adults experience dry skin. There are multiple factors that contribute to this including genetic and environmental factors. There are also intrinsic changes that occur in the skin itself that increase the susceptibility to “drying out.” These changes include 1) reduced water content 2) decreased sweat glands and sebaceous glands 3) decreased blood flow and 4) decreased lipids in the skin.

Research has shown that one of the most important factors to preserving moisture in the skin is protection of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF), which maintains water balance in the skin. There is a natural lipid layer that forms a microbarrier and prevents the loss of NMF. Protecting this lipid layer helps to preserve NMF and thus helps to maintain skin health. One of the intrinsic changes that occurs in aging skin is a decrease in these protective lipids, so it becomes even more important to protect this layer to try and preserve NMF. Below is a list of some ways to protect this lipid layer and help keep moisture in the skin during the harsh winter months.

Use a daily skin care regimen

Studies have shown that a three-step skin care regimen including a regular use of a mild cleanser, a day cream/lotion with SPF 15, and a moisturizing night cream can provide significant improvement of skin health. Mild, unscented cleansers are preferred, as harsh soaps tend to disrupt the natural lipid layer of the skin. Scented cleansers can produce irritation and further disrupt the natural protection layer of the skin.

Use emollient body wash

A study showed that patients who used high-emollient body wash containing soybean oil, glycerin, and petrolatum saw improved skin health compared to those using a regular bar cleanser. High-emollient cleansers help preserve and replace the protective lipid layer in the skin. Emollients can actually imitate the lipid components of the skin and help trap moisture into the outer layers of the skin. There are numerous high-emollient cleansers containing these ingredients available at stores that carry health/beauty products.

Avoid really hot showers and shower less frequently in winter

Hot showers and baths sound great on a cold day; however, hot water may break down the protective lipid barrier. Lukewarm baths and showers will help preserve moisture in the skin. Reducing the frequency and duration of bathing may help preserve moisture as well.

Use moisturizers after showers and hand-washing

Some studies have shown that the application of emollient moisturizers within three minutes of bathing helps to trap moisture in the skin. There are multiple types of emollient moisturizers including non-clogging oils such as mineral oil or almond oil, petrolatum, and glycerine. There does not appear to be one preparation that is better than the others; however, routine application of whichever type you choose is essential.

 Periodic exfoliation

Exfoliating the skin every one to two weeks will allow moisturizers to more easily penetrate the skin. Exfoliating too frequently may disrupt the protective barrier and reduce moisture in the skin.

 Protect your skin from exposure/dryness

Hands in particular tend to suffer from dryness more than other areas. Protect your hands from exposure by wearing gloves. Protect other areas with scarves, hats, and coats. While indoors, maintaining humidity levels of 40-50 percent will help to preserve moisture in the skin. Once humidity levels reach 10 percent or lower, the skin will begin to lose moisture.

 Dry skin is a common disorder that affects up to 50 percent of adults at some point. Dry, cool winter weather can lead to the worsening of this condition. Hopefully this list of tips will help you protect the moisture in your skin and prevent the development of the unpleasant effects of dry skin. 

 Dr. Eric Dobratz is the director of Facial Plastic Surgery at EVMS. For more information, visit www.evmsfacialplastics.com or call 757 226-8089.